Trojans down St. Andrews, Toler awarded

LAURINBURG -- Racey Bartley came within two blocks of a double-double and recorded the match-clinching kill as Mount Olive College escaped St. Andrews 28-30, 30-23, 30-22, 22-30, 15-8 in a Conference Carolinas volleyball match Tuesday evening.

Bartley finished with 15 kills and eight blocks for the Trojans, who sealed the outcome with a match-ending 10-2 run. Sam Mitchell supplied a match-high 18 kills as Mount Olive (11-9 overall) improved to 7-2 in conference play.

Mount Olive trailed 6-5 in the fifth game, but Mitchell's kill from the left side highlighted a run of four unanswered points as the Trojans took the lead for good. Mitchell's serve on match point led to a free ball chance for Mount Olive and Joanie Werling set Bartley for the match winner.

"After the fourth game, we talked about staying focused and keeping our intensity," said Bartley, who is nationally ranked in blocks and hitting percentage. "And we were able to regroup in the fifth game."

Mount Olive has a 5-1 record in five-game matches this season, including a 3-0 mark against conference opponents.

Werling tallied 36 assists, 12 digs and six blocks. Corie Skislak finished with 11 kills and four blocks. Preece also finished with four blocks. Mallory Peavler led the Trojans defensively with 18 digs, followed by Mitchell with 17 digs. Bartley, Ham and Caitlin Skislak each served two aces.

As a team, Mount Olive finished with 16.5 blocks and nine aces.

The Trojans continue a seven-match road swing this weekend with contests at league rivals Belmont Abbey (Friday) and Converse (Saturday).

Toler recognized

MOUNT OLIVE -- Freshman Drew Toler, who accounted for Mount Olive's entire offense in two victories last week, has been named the Conference Carolinas men's soccer player of the week.

Each of Toler's goals occurred after the 80th minute as the Trojans posted two one-goal victories. The Charlotte native is ranked eighth in the conference in goals per game and ninth in points per game.

Mount Olive defeated UNC Pembroke and Anderson.

The Trojans entertain Conference Carolinas rival Pfeiffer today. Game time is 7 p.m. at Amon Field.